Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4305, Benjamin Farnam, Conn. Continental

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn. Continental
Farnam, Benjamin Giffin, Am
R. 4305
Former widow
CONTENTS

State of New York 3 Wyoming County 38
On this 31 st day of October 1844 personally appeared before me a Judge of Wyoming County Courts, Anna Farnam a resident of said County aged 87 Years who having been by me duly sworn according to law deposeth and on her oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4. 1836 and the act explanatory of said act passed March 3 rd 1837. That she was married to Benjamin Farnam who was a Soldier in the American Revolutionary Army That the said Benjamin Farnam was in the service at the retreat of New York and was in the battle of Hubbardston where Col. Knowlton was mortally wounded and assisted in carrying him off from the ground after he was wounded. That the said Farnam was also at White Plains. That her husband afterwards belonged to Col. Sheldon's regiment of horse and served until into the Year 1783 when he was discharged That she was married to the said Benjamin Farnam at Ashford Windham County Connecticut by Benjamin Clark a Justice of the peace of Ashford on the 28 th day of March 1781. That her husband lived after her marriage to him and that she was one of the women who had to go to Windham for supplies of provisions in her husband's absence That the annexed certificate signed by Elijah Whiton Justice of the Peace was possessed by her said husband at his death and left by him That her said husband also had a discharge which has been destroyed by children since his death which took place on the 5 th day of May in the Year 1807 being the Year after the great Eclipse, at Ashford. That the said Farnam resided at Ashford Connecticut at the time his services were rendered That she has not intermarried since the death of her said husband and she was a widow on the 4 th day of July 1836 as will

more fully appear from the proof herunto annexed that her maiden name was Anna Chubb
Sworn and subscribed this
31 st day of October 1844
before me Paul Richards first judge of Wyoming County Courts
Anne Farnam
Sworn & Subscribed the day & Year first above written and I certify the said Declarant to be unable on ac= count of old age & bodily infirmity to appear in open Court Paul Richards first judge of Wyoming County Courts

State of New York Yates County } ss
Be it known that on this 6 th day of January 1846 personally came before the undersigned a Justice of the peace in & for said County Joshua Farnam who having been herein duly sworn according to law on his oath deposeth & says that he is a brother of Benjamin Farnam deceased who was a soldier of the American Revolutionary army and resided in the town of Ash- ford in the State of Connecticut. That he well remembers the marriage of his said brother and Anna Chubb which took place in Ashford when this deponent was about 10 years old That he distinctly remem- bers that previous to said marriage his brother had been gone from home in the army. That he has frequently heard his brother tell of being with Col Knowlton at the time he was killed near New York but That he knows that soon after his brother's marriage to the said Anna Chubb he was in the service and belonged to regiment of horse or Dragoons and he distinctly remembers that his said brother came home at one or more times on furlough on account of ill health and that his wife the said Anna and her sister knit him a pair of long stockings and fixed him out with flannel shirts & he returned to the army That he distinctly remembers that about the close of the war and he is very confident & has not a doubt that it was in the winter of 1783. that his brother finally returned from the army That he also distinctly remembers that William Chubb a brother in law of the said Benjamin came home with him on account of the health of the said Benjamin being so poor that he was unable to come home alone and the said William again returned to the army. That he is very certain that these last mentioned facts took place the winter before peace was declared. That he be- lieves that his brother the said Benjamin was regu- larly discharged from the service & that he never heard it intimated or alleged that he had deserted

the service of his Country or that he had not faithfully discharged his duty according to the best of his ability That the health of his brother the said Benjamin was good before he went into the service but never good after his return until his death That even after the said service he was afflicted with falling sickness fits That this deponent was 74 years of age in the month of March 1845 and at the date of the resolution & several years after resided in Ashford aforesaid
Sworn & subscribed before me the day & year first above written and I certify the said Joshua Harnan to be a person of good character and entitled to full credit
Joshua Harnan
Martin V. Flowers Justice of the Peace
State of New-York,
COUNTY OF YATES, ss:—I hereby certify that Martin V. Flowers Esquire, whose signature is subscribed to the certificate of the facts of the execution of the annexed affidavit and endorsed thereon, was, at the date of the said certificate, a Justice of the Peace or Magistrate in and for the county aforesaid, dwelling in said county, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized by the laws of said State to act as such: that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing, and verily believe his said signature to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto affix the seal of said County and of the County Courts thereof, (my official seal,) the 21 st day of January A. D. 1846.
J. H. Buel
CLERK.
no 4

ANNA GIFFIN.
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 111.]
FEBRUARY 13, 1850.
Mr. FREEDLEY, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following
REPORT:
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Anna Giffin, of Wyoming county, State of New York, report:
That the petition and papers in this case were referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions of the last Congress; which committee, on the 29th of February, 1848, made a report, which is now adopted, as follows, viz:
FEBRUARY 29, 1848.
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Anna Giffin, of Wyoming county, State of New York, report:
That the said Anna Giffin, some time in the month of November, 1844, presented her claim at the proper office, for a pension, under the act of July 4th, 1836, but it was rejected by the Commissioner of Pensions, she having failed to make out all the proofs required by the regulations of that office to entitle her to such pension. In the month of December, 1845, the petition of the said Anna was presented to Congress for a pension under the same act. This petition was referred, in the House of Representatives, to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, who, on the 4th of May, 1846, reported favorably to the petitioner, (see Rep. Ho. Reps., first session 29th Congress, No. 602,) and reported a bill (H. R. No. 425) giving to the said Anna Giffin a pension of eight dollars per month, to commence on the 25th of May, 1845. Your committee have carefully considered and examined the claim and papers of the said petitioner, and concur in the above stated report heretofore made in her case, and ask that the same shall be considered as incorporated in this. Your committee are now informed that the relief proposed by the above stated bill was not satisfactory to the petitioner and her friends; and, therefore, the member who had it in charge was instructed to have it amended if he could; and if he could not get it amended, to withdraw the claim. He accordingly had the bill laid on the table, with the hope

that another Congress would be more favorably disposed towards the claim.
Your committee are not informed as to the particular objection of the petitioner and her friends to the bill reported to the last Congress for her relief, but suppose it to be, that the pension is made to commence on the 25th of May, 1845, instead of being made to relate back to the time prescribed by the act of 7th of June, 1832 . This presents for consideration a point of some importance. If the proof of the petitioner had been sufficient to establish her claim before the Commissioner of Pensions, according to the rules prescribed for the governance of that office, the laws in existence would have caused her pension to relate back to the 4th of March, 1831, although she made no claim to such pension until November, 1844. But her proof was decided to be not sufficient, and her claim under those laws was rejected. She then comes before Congress, and asks for relief. By doing this, she requires new enactments; and it is for Congress to consider whether they will grant her relief, and what shall be the extent of that relief. A pension is a gratuity. Its object is to afford a more comfortable subsistence to the beneficiary. It is not a debt in money , owing by government, which the beneficiary may claim as a matter of right. Then, can there be any good reason for causing a pension to relate back fifteen or sixteen years, and by this means take from the coffers of government a large sum of money, and confer it on the beneficiary as though it were a debt owing? Your committee think not; and by declining to extend the pension of the petitioner back to an earlier day, they conceive that Congress is not violating any rights, legal or equitable, of the petitioner. They therefore, in accordance with said views, report a bill directing the name of the said Anna Giffin to be placed on the revolutionary pension roll, and that she be paid a pension at the rate of eight dollars per month, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1845.

State of New York Wyoming County ss
1 1
Roxey Fortham being duly sworn deposes and says that she is a daughter of Anna Fortham and she knows the said Anna Fortham was a widow on the 4 day of July 1836 and has to the deposants knowledge has remained a widow ever since and that the certificate signed by Elyon Whitem she has frequently seen and no doubt it is the same certificate left by her father Benjamin Fortham at his decease which annexed to the said Anna Fortham. Declaration
Roxey Fortham mark
Sworn and subscribed this 31 day of October 1844 before me Paul Minnards first judge of Wyoming County Court
I certify that the above Roxey Fortham is a credible witness Paul Minnards

West Bennington Vt May 25 th 1853
J. P. Waldo Esq Com. of Pensions
Sir - My Mother Anna Giffin made application for a pension as widow of Benjamin Farnam, (who was a Revolutionary Soldier), about eight years past, and has not obtained the same, and we do not know, nor can we learn the situation of the claim, the cause of the delay, and the further proof required to substantiate the same -
My Mother died two years past, and you will much oblige me and my two Sisters by informing me what proof is now on file and what further proof will be necessary in order to obtain the same, by a New Application by the Heirs -
Respectfully Yours
Joseph Farnam

6364
Anna Griffin
a Giffin
widow N.Y. of Benjamin Parsons
Act 4 July 36
1 In 81. d. 07.
2 21.
See 1844
No 2.
Aug 25/45
Apr 25/45
Nov 20/45
Am Albert Smith
AT 2

I Benjamin C. Simmons do hereby certify that I am Town Clerk of the Town of Ashford in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut, and that by virtue of my Office I have the custody of the Records of said Town, that I have examined the record of marriages which have taken place between the years 1770 and 1794 and that I find a record of the mar- riage of Benjamin Farnham and Ann Chubb which is in the following words and figures "to wit"
"Benjamin Farnham and Ann Chubb joynd in marriage March twenty eighth One thousand seven hundred and Eighty one" and that the above is a true copy of the Record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures as follows - "March 28 th 1781"
Benjamin C. Simmons Town Clerk.
State of Connecticut
Windham County } ss. On this 9 th day of November A.D. 1844 Personally appeared before me the above named Benjamin C. Simmons known to me as Town Clerk of said Town of Ashford and made oath that the above certificate by him signed is just & true
Isaac D. Richmond Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut
County of Windham } ss.
Thomas Gray Clerk of the County Court for said County of Windham, hereby certify that Isaac D. Richmond Esq. who has subscribed the foregoing affi- davit, & also the one on the 2 nd page hereto annexed, is, & was, on the 9 th day of November 1844, a Justice of the Peace in said County, duly Commissioned & qualified, & that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 19 th day of November A.D. 1844. - Thomas Gray Clerk

I Benjamin C. Simmons do hereby certify that I am Town Clerk of the Town of Ashford in the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut, and that by virtue of my Office I have the custody of the Records of said town That I have examined the Records of Deeds and titles of land of said town and do find that in the several years of 1781, 1782, 1783 & 1784 there are Deeds recorded the acknowledgement of which Deeds were taken by Elijah Whiten as a Justice of the Peace one of which acknowledgements is in the following words & figures "to wit"
"Windham County ss. Ashford 17 th of March One thousand seven hundred and eighty three Personally appeared John Lewis signer and sealer of the foregoing instrument and acknowledged the same to be his act and deed
Before me Elijah Whiten Justice of the Peace and another of which acknowledgements is in the following words and figures to wit.
"Windham County ss. Ashford the Nineteenth day of May A. D. One thousand seven hundred & eighty three Personally appeared Edward Sumner signer & sealer of the foregoing instrument and freely acknowledged the same to be his act and deed
Before me Elijah Whiten Justice of the Peace and that the above are true Copies of the Records of said acknowledgements of deeds with the exception of the date of the first which is expressed in the Record in fair legible figures as follows "17 th of March 1783" & of the other which is likewise expressed "19 th day of May A. D. 1783"  State of Connecticut } Benjamin C. Simmons Town Clerk Windham County } ss. On this 9 th day of November A. D. 1844 Personally appeared before me the above named Benjamin C. Simmons known to me as Town Clerk of said Town of Ashford & made oath that the above certificate by him signed is just & true
David D. Richmond
Justice of the Peace

I Benjamin C. Simmons a Justice of the Peace of the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut do Certify, that Jonathan Snow who made affidavit on the 15 th day of November 1844, before me as to the services of Benjamin Farnam in the Revolutionary Army, is a person of good moral character & that his testimony is entitled to credit —
Ashford 3 d day of December 1844 —
Benjamin C. Simmons Justice of the Peace

I Jonathan Snow of Ashford in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged Ninety two years, depose and say that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Farnam formerly of said Ashford now deceased, that he the said Farnam married Ann Chubb a Sister of my wife that in the years 1782 & 1783 she was at my house considerable & I think boarded with me some part of the time & it was my understanding and belief that the said Farnam was at that time in the service as a soldier in the army of the Revolution and I also think that said Farnam boarded with me for some time immediately after returning from said service.
his Jonathan X Snow mark
Sworn to, and subscribed by making the above mark, on this Fifteenth day of November A.D. 1844, at said Ashford, before me
Benjamin C. Simmons Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut County of Windham ss.
I Thomas Gray Clerk of the County Court in & for the County of Windham & State aforesaid hereby certify, that Benjamin C. Simmons Esq o who has subscribed the foregoing affidavit is & was, on the 15 th day of November A.D. 1844 a Justice of the Peace for said County of Windham duly commissioned & qualified, & that the above signature purporting to be his I believe to be genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said County Court this 19 th day of November A.D. 1844.
Thomas Gray Clerk

FARNAM, BENJAMIN (CONT, CONN.) R-4305

Attest March 26 - 1783 These Certify that Benjamin Farnam served a soldier both in the three year Service and and during the war untill he was discharged in Colonel Sheldon Regt. of horse in the Connecticut line of the Continental Army And is intitled to his Wages
Certify'd By Elijah Whiton Just

Ans
4300
P. O.
Anna Griffin
Service: Formerly wid. of Benj. Farnam
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 13
Application filed: _____, 13
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____

State of New York Wyoming County ss
On this Second day of May 1845 before me a Justice of the peace in for said County personally appeared Anna Farnam who being by me duly sworn according to Law on her oath deposes & saith that she is the widow of Benjamin Farnam of Ashford who was a private in the American Revo- lutionary Army That in March 1781 she was married to said Farnam who was at the time under an engagement to serve in Sheldon's regiment of Artillery That shortly after her marriage her said husband left home & went into the service & remained until in the winter of 1783 That in January or February 1783 according to her best recollection her said husband came home on a furlough on account of ill health that at the expiration of his furlough he again went & joined his regiment & staid a few weeks when his health remaining poor he was finally discharged & came home That William Chubb who was brother of deponent & served with him in Sheldon's reg t came home with him (she being unable to come home alone) & returned again into the service That her husband did not serve on his own account accor- ding to her best recollection but was a substitute That she is unable to state for whom he served That deponent shortly after her husband left home went to Mayor Ripley at Windham & procured an order on Reuben Mosey of Ashford for some family stores which she procured of said Mosey That the only articles which she recollects of getting were some Corn & Salt That after her said husband came home he was out of health & unable to labor for over a year That one George Dallibee served with him That said Benjamin Farnam's mother was a Babbitt & her friends resided in Windham That there was no other per- son in Ashford of the name of Benjamin Farnam
Anna Farnam
Sworn & subscribed before me the day & year above written Chas. B. Wilson Justice

State of New York Wyoming County } ss I Walter Howard Clerk of Wyoming do hereby certify that that John B. Folsom Esq. before whom the within Affidavit was taken, was at the time of taking the same, a justice of the peace duly authorized to act in and for said County. And that his signature thereto is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Official Seal of said County this 24 day of May 1845
Walter Howard Clerk E. V. Andrews Deputy

Warsaw N.York.
October 5, 1852
To the Secretary of the Interior
I hereby appeal from the decision of the Commission of Pensions upon the application of Anna Giffin widow of Benjamin Farnam for a pension under the act of Congress of July 4, 1836
It is
admitted by the Commission of Pensions that Benjamin Farnam enlisted January 1 st 1781 for the term of during the war & that his name appears upon a roll of Col Sheldons regiment bearing date Sept 1781. & the genuineness of that roll is not questioned. There is a large amount of corroborative evidence.
On various returns of Sheldons regiment in the Pension Office the name of Farnam is not found & the Commission of Pensions infers from that fact that Farnam must have deserted the

service although all the rolls fail to present any evidence of such desertion.
From this decision I appeal to you & solicit your careful exam- ination of the claim and the proofs by which it is sustained.
Hearing in my letter of the 16 th of May last stated to the Com- missioner of Pensions my views in relation to that decision I beg leave to refer you to that letter.
I regret the necessity which compels me to appeal from a decision of the Com- missioner. I consider his decision in this case as contrary not only to the letter of the act of July 21 1836 but to the whole spirit of the legislation of Congress upon the subject. The presumption of a desertion is to my mind a most unreasonable stretch of the doctrine upon that subject. Hoping for your early decision I am Very Respect- fully Your Obedient Servant A. L. Lynde

78 not Warsaw N. Y. Oct. 5. 1852.
A. L. Lynde
Appeals from the decision of the Commissioners of Pen- sions on the application of Anna Giffin, for a pension under the law of Congress of July 4. 1836.
Resp. referred to the Comm. of Pensions for report. (AgW) Army Int. 3 Oct. 9. 1852. 3 C
Rec. Oct. 9. 1852.

Anna Griffin Petitions
to
Congress & Report of Committee.

6364 V Anna Griffen N.Y.
Act 4 July 1836
Mrs A. Smith Dec 28 th 1846 Sd to L. M. Drury Augt 28 th 45 " to A. Ray Sept 23 rd 45

In the case of Anna Giffin otherwise called Anna Fournham the Commission on respectfully refers to Reports of Committee 1841-2. Report 86 & 126 also 106 and Laws 27 th August 3 Section Page 105.

Benjamin Warren Box Shaker Society
Was he allowed a quarter to burning land
It was not returned on the records of the Court. Some among those entitled to, or who have returned, burning lands

Synopsis of proof in Case of Anna Giffie Widow of Benjamin Farnam

Synopsis of Proof in Case of Anna Giffin
1 An original certificate as follows Ashford March 26. 1783
These Certify that Benjamin Farnam served a soldier both in the three years service and and during the war until he was discharged in Colonel Sheldon's Reg't of horse in the Connecticut line of the Continental Army and is entitled to his wages Certify for Elijah Whiton Just of peace
2. Benj & Simmons Town Clerk Ashford Certifies marriage to have taken place March 28. 1781. also that Elijah Whiton was Justice of the peace, in 81. 82. 83 & 84. & that there are deeds recorded which were acknowledged before him March 7 & May 19. 1783
3. Claimants declaration. asserts that Benjamin Farnam of Ashford served under Col Knowlton at New York also at White Plains also under Col Sheldon 2 Years or more - part after her marriage to him on 28 th March 1783
4. Roy & Joseph Farnam Children of Benjamin Farnam & claimant testify to their father's statements while living
5. Jonathan Snow aged 92 Years testified that he well knew Benjamin Farnam of Ashford deceased who married his (Snows) wife's sister. In 82 & 83 she was at his house & boarded with him part of the time. He understood at the time & believes that Farnam was then in the service

6. Franklin Fanning of Jewett City Connecticut testifies that upon an old book formerly owned by his father who was an Officer in the Revolution he finds "The following is a list of the names of the men claimed by the several towns in this State now serving in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army - Those marked thus (a) are returned from the Army" and on said list he finds the name of Benjamin Farnam as a recruit of the town of Ashford 7. The Comptroller of Connecticut certifies that the town of Ashford was allowed in May 1781 a bounty of 30 pounds for recruiting Benjamin Farnam and 75. 4d for supplies to the family of said recruit 8. Gen Ichabod Ward of Norwich Ct testifies that he had in his possession a roll as follows "Returns of the names of the non-commissioned officers and "Privates in the 2 d reg t Light Dragoons belonging to Connecticut" "State of Vt Ad 1781" and that on said roll appears the name of Benjamin Farnam of Ashford who enlisted Jan 1. 1781 for " during the war " also the names of his brother in law William Chubb enlisted Feb 1. 1781, also several others from the same town This roll has been exhibited to Col Edwards & the signature of Col Sheldon pronounced genuine

9 Joshua Farnam brother of Benjamin Farnam testifies to the marriage of his brother with Ann Chubb the present Chairman. That before his marriage he was absent in the service. He frequently heard him tell of being with Col Knowlton when he was killed in 1776 near New York. That he knows that soon after his brother's marriage he was absent in the service & belonged to a reg t of horse & came home one or more times on furlough on account of ill health. His wife fixed him out with some long stockings & flannel shirts & he returned to the Army. That near the close of the war he returned from the Army & William Chubb his brother in law came home with him on account of his being unable to come home with him alone & William returned to the Army. That he never heard that said Benjamin had deserted the service. That his health was good before he entered the service but never good after his return, that he was afflicted with falling sickness fits.
10. Pompey M c Cluff a Revolutionary Pensioner of Windham Connecticut testifies that he knew Farnam both before & after his service. That he (M c C) entered the service in 1776 & served through the war. That he knew Farnam in the service in '76 in New York & thinks under Col Knowlton also recollects seeing him frequently in Sheldon reg t of Dragoons on the North River &c. M c Cluff is intelligent & straight forward in his statements.
11 Martha Bugglee testifies to her acquaintance with Farnam & his wife & his being absent in the service &c.

12. Maurice Knowlton of Ashford son of Lieut. Daniel Knowlton who was brother of Colonel Thomas Knowlton has often heard his Father tell of enlisting Benjamin Farnsworth of Ashford & serving with him during some part of the war.

State of New York Wyoming County
On this Nineteenth day of November 1844 Personally appeared before me a justice of the peace of said County Joseph Farnam to me well known aged 60 years who having been by me duly sworn according to law, saith that he has heard his father Benjamin Farnam tell of serving in the Revolutionary army and also of serving under Colonel Thomas Knowlton and frequent from his father tell of being in the battle near White Plains in which Battle the said Colonel Knowlton was killed and that he the said Benjamin Farnam helped to carry the said Colonel Knowlton off the field to the hospital after the said Colonel had received a mortal wound and has also heard his father tell of serving after the death of the said Colonel Knowlton in a Company of Light Dragoons, and has heard his father tell of serving in the last Campaign of the Revolutionary war and also has heard his father say frequently that he had a Discharge from Gen Washington and that he had lost said discharge
Joseph Farnam
Sworn and subscribed before me this day and year first above written
Silvester H. C. a justice of the peace

Warsaw New York
May 16. 1851
Committee of Pensions
Sir
Anna Giffin formerly widow of Benjamin Farnam applied in the year 1844 for a pension under the act of July 4, 1836 and claimed that her husband served from the town of Ashford in the State of Connecticut in 1776 under Colonel Knowlton and subsequently in Col Sheldon's regiment of Dagoons and she caused to be sent to the Pension Office a certificate of which the following is a copy
"Ashford March 26 1783"
"These certify that Benjamin Farnam served a soldier both in the three years service and during the war until he was discharged in Colonel Sheldon's regiment of horse in the Connecticut line of the Continental Army and is entitled to his wages" Certify'd Pr Elyah Whiton Just of peace
The Town Clerk of Ashford certify'd that the records of the town of Ashford show the parties to have been married March 28, 1787 and that Elyah Whiton was a Justice of the Peace of that town in 1787 and acted as such at dates before & subsequent to the marriage
Jonathan Snow who married the sister of Mrs Giffin testified that in 1782 & 1783 Mrs G boarded with him then husband was absent in the service
Mr Edlewoods in reply to this claim alleged that the rolls of Sheldon's regiment contradicted the claim of service under him & that he did not serve in that regiment

I subsequently produced a large amount of proof of the services of Farnam and the following documentary evidence
1. A Certificate of Franklin Fanning of Jewett City New London County Connecticut, that upon an original list in his possession of the men claimed by the different Towns in said State now serving in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army appeared the name of Benjamin Farnam a recruit from the town of Ashford
2. A Certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut that it appeared from the records in his office that the town of Ashford was charged with supplies furnished the family of Benjamin Farnam in 1787
3. A certificate of General Ichabod Ward of New London that he had in his possession a "Return of the names of the Non Commissioned Officers and Privates in the 2 d Regt Light Dragoons belonging to Connecticut State Sept r A D 1787" and that on the said return appears the name of Benjamin Farnam who enlisted in the town of Ashford in this State Jan y 1, 1787, for during the War and that said return was signed Elisha Sheldon Col o 2 d Regt
On receipt of Gen Ward's affidavit Mr Edwards replied that the copy of that return could not be received as evidence and that the original roll must be produced. I then employed a Gentleman in Connecticut to obtain the original roll and carry it to Washington which he did & exhibited it to Mr Edwards who pronounced the roll genuine and admitted that Mr Farnam enlisted Jan 1 1787 and was in the service in September of that year but as his name did not appear upon the other rolls of Sheldon's regiment he should on that account presume that he deserted the service &

reject the claim
Mrs Giffin immediately after the rejection
THIRTIETH CONGRESS—FIRST SESSION.
Report No. 277.
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 273.]
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
ANNA GIFFIN.
FEBRUARY 29, 1848.
Mr. FREEDLEY, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following
REPORT:
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Anna Giffin, of Wyoming county, State of New York, report:
That the said Anna Giffin, some time in the month of November, 1844, presented her claim at the proper office, for a pension, under the act of July 4th, 1836, but it was rejected by the Commissioner of Pensions, she having failed to make out all the proofs required by the regulations of that office to entitle her to such pension. In the month of December, 1845, the petition of the said Anna was presented to Congress for a pension under the same act. This petition was referred, in the House of Representatives, to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, who, on the 4th of May, 1846, reported favorably to the petitioner, (see Rep. Ho. Reps. first session, 29th Congress, No. 602,) and reported a bill (H. R. No. 425) giving to the said Anna Giffin a pension of eight dollars per month, to commence on the 25th of May, 1845. Your committee have carefully considered and examined the claim and papers of the said petitioner, and concur in the above stated report heretofore made in her case, and ask that the same shall be considered as incorporated in this. Your committee are now informed that the relief proposed by the above stated bill was not satisfactory to the petitioner and her friends; and, therefore, the member who had it in charge was instructed to have it amended if he could, and if he could not get it amended, to withdraw the claim. He accordingly had the bill laid on the table, with the hope that another Congress would be more favorably disposed towards the claim.
if and the May 4, 1846 entitled to a Bingham been produced as her by the reported a bill cantly laid upon Henry Putnam
the 31st Congress and the House relief which upon the private e not reached up & therefore a copy of the and would House report
Committee on Pensions informed on action felt by unity who have fore him, in thought proper Commission personal exam upon a careful
reference to the previous decision of the late Commissioner
The rule of the Department by which pensions

Your committee are not informed as to the particular objection of the petitioner and her friends to the bill reported to the last Congress for her relief, but suppose it to be, that the pension is made to commence on the 25th of May, 1845, instead of being made to relate back to the time prescribed by the act of 7th of June, 1832. This presents for consideration a point of some importance. If the proof of the petitioner had been sufficient to establish her claim before the Commissioner of Pensions, according to the rules prescribed for the governance of that office, the laws in existence would have caused her pension to relate back to the 4th of March, 1831, although she made no claim to such pension until November, 1844. But her proof was decided to be not sufficient, and her claim under those laws was rejected. She then comes before Congress, and asks for relief. By doing this, she requires new enactments; and it is for Congress to consider whether they will grant her relief, and what shall be the extent of that relief. A pension is a gratuity. Its object is to afford a more comfortable subsistence to the beneficiary. It is not a debt in money , owing by government which the beneficiary may claim as a matter of right. Then, can there be any good reason for causing a pension to relate back fifteen or sixteen years, and by this means take from the coffers of government a large sum of money, and confer it on the beneficiary as though it were a debt owing? Your committee think not; and by declining to extend the pension of the petitioner back to an earlier day, they conceive that Congress is not violating any rights, legal or equitable, of the petitioner. They, therefore, in accordance with said views, report a bill directing the name of the said Anna Giffin to be placed on the revolutionary pension roll, and that she be paid a pension at the rate of eight dollars per month, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1845.

reject the claim
Mrs Giffin immediately after the rejection of her claim applied to Congress for relief and the House Committee on Pensions on May 4, 1846 unanimously reported that she was entitled to a pension, on account of the services of Benjamin Farnam of which ample proof had been produced, which pension was improperly refused her by the Commissioner of Pensions and they reported a bill for her relief which was subsequently laid upon the table upon the motion of Hon Henry Putnam who acted for her in the house
At the first sessions of the 30th & 31st Congress her claim was again presented and the House Committees reported bills for her relief which were passed by that body & placed upon the private calendar of the Senate but they were not reached in the ordinary course of business & therefore failed to become laws. I enclose a copy of the report of Feb 29 1848 in this case and would respectfully invite your attention to the House report of May 4, 1846
The late Commissioner of Pensions having been removed from office as I am informed on account of the very great dissatisfaction felt by persons in different sections of the country who have had occasion to prosecute claims before him, in relation to his decisions, I have thought proper to call the attention of the present Commissioner to this claim and to request his personal examination and decision of the case upon a careful examination of its merits and without any reference to the previous decision of the late Commissioner
The rule of the Department by which pensions

are refused in all Cases where positive proof of a desertion is afforded by the records of Service directly contravenes the language of the act of July 4 1836 and that has I believe been uniformly condemned by the Committees of Congress to whom such claims have been referred
But however proper the rule may be in Cases where the records of Service afford positive Evidence of a desertion, the presumption of such desertion when there are numerous rolls which afford no positive proof of such fact but are entirely silent in relation to it, is to my mind grossly unreasonable and I think that a just regard to the spirit of the Pension laws and the humane objects of Congress in passing them would lead to a directly opposite influence
In the Case of Mrs Giffin I think that there is conclusive evidence of at least 9 months Service from January to September 1787 inclusive and a pension of not less than $30 per annum should be granted to her from July 4 1836 during her natural life. All of which I would respectfully submit to the Commissioner of Pensions and request your early attention and answer Very Respectfully
A L Lynde
No 14 July 16/51

Petition no 10 of Anna Giffin the widow of a Revolutionary Soldier asking Congress to grant her a pension under Act of Congress of July 4 th 1836 -
Nov 15/40
To Com te on Revolu- tionary Pensions
Mr Putnam - N. S. -

To the Congress of the United States
The petition of Anna Giffin respectfully shews that she is widow of Benjamin Farnam who was a Soldier in the Connecticut Line of the American Revolutionary Army.
That your petitioner has applied to the Commissioners of Pensions for a pension under the act of July 4 th 1836 and as she believes has fully established her claim to a pension by due proof of the services of her husband and of her intermarriage with him nevertheless the Commissioners has refused to grant her such pension.
Your petitioner further shews to your Honorable body that she applied to the last Congress for relief and as she is informed a bill granting to her a pension was passed by the house of Representatives but failed to receive the necessary action of the Senate to make it a law.
Your petitioner further represents to your Honorable Body that she is in indigent circumstances and greatly in need of the aid which she seeks from her Country and she begs leave to refer your Honorable Body to the petition by her made to the last Congress and to the various proofs filed in support of her claim for a full statement of the same.
Your petitioner humbly prays your Honorable body to grant to her a pension under the act of July 4 th 1836 or such other relief as to you shall seem proper and your petitioner will ever pray &c.
Dated at Bennington Wyoming County New York
Nov 15 th 1849
Witnesses Joseph Farnam Oliver Blissdell Margaret Farnam
Anna her Giffin mark

A bill was reported at the last Congress for Mr Griffin N o . Bill 425. N o of Report 602 - at the first Session -

H. Ray Esq Dr Sir
The enclosed papers were returned by last mail Having been sent by my Partner without giving the true name. If You will please take them to the office & no care are early examination we will send You a reasonable reward for Your trouble We hope that since they have been in the office since about May 15. they will consent to examine promptly
Yours
Aug 14. 1845
A. L. Lynch for Lynde & Andrews
Papers are in Case of Anne Giffin widow of Benjamin F. Lawrence
There is an other afft of one Franklin Lawrence on file

State of Connecticut Windham County } ss. Ashford
Be it Remembered That on this 19 th day of February 1845 Before me William C Stanton & Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Windham personally appeared Martha Bugbee of Ashford aforesaid aged 87 years & being duly sworn according to law Deposeth and saith that She when young lived in this town and up to the present time. That she was well acquainted with a man in Ashford, in the time of the Revolutionary war by the name of Benjamin Farnam, That the said Farnam was in the time of the war gone from home much and was at that time reported to have been in the Revolutionary Army - That said Benjamin Farnam and Anna Chubb were married before I was; and I was married in 1782 in March.
My husband husband Amos Bugbee was at Farnam's wedding as he told me about the time of the marriage - we were not then married - The said Farnam & Anna Chubb were married at her father's within about one mile of the place where I then lived -
I recollect it was said at that time that a number of young men went to the wedding of S d Benj Farnam & Anna Chubb without being invited
The Farnam was married soon after he had enlisted to go into the service & before he went into the Army on the tone of duty which he commenced - soon after he married -
I remember that S d Farnam was gone much of the time from home in the time of the Revolutionary war and it was then said by the neighbors that he was in the service. Benjamin Farnam afterwards died in this town and within about one mile of me & his widow was after his death again married & moved off into the state of N Y York - Martha H Bugbee
In Presence of
Miner Bugbee Wm C Stanton
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year first aforesaid written
Before me
Wm C Stanton Justice of Peace

I William C Stanton a Justice of the peace within and for the County of Windham do hereby Certify that the widow Martha Bugbee who has subscribed the foregoing deposition by her mark is a witness whose testimony is at all times & in all places entitled to full credit and belief.
Wm C Stanton Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut } County of Windham } ss. Ashford
Be it known that before me William C Stanton a justice of the peace within and for the County of Windham aforesaid Personally appeared Marvin Knowlton of Ashford aforesaid aged Fifty years and on this 19th day of February 1845 being duly cautioned and sworn according to Law doth on oath State that he is son of the late Lieutenant Daniel Knowlton of Ashford aforesaid, & that his father and the late Col. Thomas Knowlton of Ashford were brothers. That Daniel Knowlton his father enlisted a great many men during the war of the Revolution as he often used to say and that his father served as he used to say most of the time during the war.
I have often heard my father tell in his life time of his enlisting Benjamin Farnam of Ashford aforesaid & that the said Benjamin Farnam & my father served together some of the time during the war. My father used to tell about the tricks the soldiers would put upon the Benj. Farnam when in the service. My father used say that the said Farnam was rather cowardly and for that reason he was the subject of much sport among the men who knew him. Farnam used to live within some two miles of my father's house. My father was often engaged evenings in telling over his revolutionary services. And he would frequently allude to the said Benj. Farnam services. My father & the aforesaid Benj. Farnam were some related to each other.
My father had some papers in his life time which he kept & took home with him from the service & would have been of great use now to applicants for pensions but I lent them after his death and I cannot find them since. I am very confident that I saw the following named persons, names on the rolls of enlistment of my father and were among his papers at his death but have been lent or aforesaid & I cannot get them nor find them viz. Frederic Chaffe, Josiah Chaffe for And Benj. Farnam, these men all lived

not far from my father and were all relations of my Father. That my father died in 1825 -
Marvin Knowlton
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid written
Before me William Stanton Justice of Peace
Windham County for Ashford Feb. 19 th A D 1845
I hereby certify that Marvin Knowlton Esq. who has subscribed to the foregoing deposition is a man of truth and veracity and his statements as a witness are entitled to full credit and belief
Attest
William Stanton Justice of Peace
State of Connecticut } County of Windham } ss
Thomas Gray Clerk of the County Court in & for the County of Windham hereby certify that William C Stanton Esq before whom the depositions hereto annexed of Pompey McCuff, Martha Bugbee & Marvin Knowlton were taken is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Windham duly commissioned and qualified. and the signatures thereto, to each of said affidavits purporting to be his, are his genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & affixed the seal
of said County Court this
21 st day of February A D
1845
Thomas Gray Clerk

ms 11 V Papers of Anna Giffin otherwise called Anna Farnham for a Pension under act July 4. 1836 Her petition to Congress is on file -
Abbot Smith Wm to com. on Revolutionary Pensions
January 9. 1858. Referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions.
Feb. 13. 1858. Bill III
Putnam

Comptrollers Office, Connecticut } Hartford April 19. 1845 }
An application for evidence of the service of Benjamin Farnum in the war of the Revolution, I certify that I have examined the documents remaining in this office relating to that war, and do not find the name of said Farnum on any payroll, but find in Harkness the following entry under head of "The United States Dr to the State of Connecticut for Bounties granted to the Towns in said State for expence of recruiting the Continental Army in 1781. vii Date.
1781 May 31. By what Town procured, Ashford Name of each recruit. Benjamin Farnum. Amount of each Account £30
I also find among the names of soldiers on a paper headed "An alphabetical list of the names of the officers and soldiers in the Connecticut line who have received family supplies from the several Towns for 1781" the following entry. viii
Name Farnum Benja - rank private, Town to which they belonged, Ashford. . Amount of family supplies - 7. 6 D. Carrington Comptroller

Copy
Pension Office
Oct 1 1882
Sir
In reply to your letter of the 23 rd ult to Hon A P Hascall in the case of Anna Griffin, widow of Perry Farman of N.B. you are informed that I have re-examined it but feel constrained to adhere to the decision of my predecessor. The testimony of Ben Stanton of which you speak, as to having seen the original Ward's Roll, will do no good, because, as you state, the original itself was exhibited to the late commission & even then a pension was refused.
Yours sincerely M. M. Mansfield 3

Waverly Mass.
July 18. 1846
Sir, I send you herewith the papers of Anna Giffin - Mr. Lynde directs me to do so, as he is not satisfied with the bill reported for her relief. You will regard it as pending before you for adjustment.
I have the honor to be very respectfully, your obedient servant Albert Smith
Hon. J. L. Earle Chair of Resolutions

Washington Sep. 9. 1845.
Sir!
In the case of Ann Giffin widow of Benj. Farnam of New York, presented by me on the 21 st Ucto. I now present further evidence, shewing Benj. Farnam entitled "Jan y 1. 1799. for service during the war." 2 o . in an affidavit made by Ichabod Ward of Norwich Ct.
I remain
very respectfully
Your On Serv.
Alas. N. Ay
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

House of Rep
Dec 15. 1847-
Hon J. L. Edwards,
(Dear Sir,
I presented yesterday to the House the petition of Anna Giffin, widow of a Revolutionary Soldier, asking to be placed on the pension list roll. I also asked that the papers relating to her application on file of the House at last Session, be taken from the file and referred to the Committee. I am informed this morning that the papers were taken from the file and were claimed to my predecessor Hon. Albert Smith and by him were left in the pension office. Will you please send the papers to me that they may be used by the Committee, and as soon as your Committee will admit.
Yours Respectfully James H. Smith H. Putnam

State of Connecticut } County of Middlesex } ss.
I James Stedman Clerk of the County Court in and for the said County of Middlesex do hereby certify that William L. Stanton whose name is in his own proper hand writing subscribed to the certificate on the other side hereof written is a Notary Public in and for the State of Connecticut duly appointed and sworn, (whose Commission under the Seal of said State and the signature of Roger S. Baldwin Governor of said State I have this day seen & examined) and that he is by law duly authorized to administer oaths and take Depositions. And I further certify that I am well acquainted with Deborah Ward the Deponent whose Deposition is on the other side hereof written, and that the signature of said Deponent is in the proper hand writing of the said Ward. I also certify that the said Ward is a person of reasonable integrity.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and prepared this Certificate of said County & of said Court this 30 th day of August 1845
James Stedman, Clerk of the County Court for Middlesex County
8 No

I Schabod Ward of Norwich in the County of New London and state of Connecticut aged 85 years being duly engaged as the law directs, do on my oath depose and say that I have in my possession a return of the names of the non commissioned officers and soldiers in the 2 d Regt of Light Dragoons, which return is headed as follows, to wit,
"Return of the names of the non commissioned officers and Privates in the 2 d Regt Light Dragoons belonging to Connecticut State Sept. 1781."
And that on the aforesaid described return appears the name of Benjamin Farnam who enlisted from the town of Ashford in this state Jan 1 st 1781 for "during the war" -
Also the following names appear on said return to wit William Chubb enlisted Feb 1 st 1781, - Robert Baker enlisted Feb 14 th 1780, - Ebenezer Olds enlisted Oct 1 st 1779 - and Ephraim Merrill enlisted May 19 th 1777, all for during the war and from the town of Ashford -
Said return is signed
Elisha Sheldon Colo 2 d Regt L.D.
Schabod Ward
State of Connecticut, New London County, ss. Norwich August 30 th 1845
Then personally appeared Gen Schabod Ward who has subscribed to the above deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same
Before me
Thos C Stanton Notary

Benj' Harrison
Affidavit of Liberty
Search -

I Amasa Tiffany of Bennington in the County of Bennington State of Vermont do hereby certify that being duly sworn I depose & say that I was seventy eight years of age in November A.D. 1845 I was born the 6th day of November A.D. 1767 I further say that I entered the Army in August 1782 & served one year I knew Benjamin Farnam when in the Army he enlisted about the 1st of June 1782, I had a brother who enlisted at the same time he did, said Benjamin Farnam served in the Regiment commanded by Colonel M c Laren & in the company commanded by Benjamin Dunkee, he enlisted for one year & served from about the first of June A.D. 1782 until March A.D. 1783 when he was taken sick & went home, said Benjamin Farnam was Orderly Sergeant during that time in said Company I further say that I served as a soldier in the same Company with said Farnam from August 1782 until March 1783 and until August 1783 & further say not as Amasa Tiffany.
State of Vermont Bennington County ss. { Bennington April 11. 1846 - Personally appeared the above named Amasa Tiffany & made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed is true according to his best recollection - Before me Saml. H. Blackmer Justice of the peace
State of Vermont Bennington County ss. { I Samuel H. Blackmer Clerk of Bennington County do hereby certify that Samuel H. Blackmer whose name is subscribed to the above was at the date thereof a justice of the peace within & for the County of Bennington duly authorized to administer said oath & that his signature is genuine -
In witness whereunto subscribed my name & affixed the Seal of said County this 11th day of April A.D. 1846
Saml. H. Blackmer Clerk

Petition of Anna Giffin The Petition of Anna Giffin for a Pension.
Dec 29. 1845 Referred to committee on Revolutionary Pensions
May 4. 1846 Bill 425
Albert Smith
December 20. 1847 Referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions
No 7
Also Albert Smith. H Putnam

To the Honorable Senate & House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled
The petition of Anna Griffin represents to your honorable bodies that she is widow of Benjamin Tarmen who during the war of the revolution resided in Ashford in the State of Connecticut and was a soldier in the American revolutionary army. That she has learned from her said husband while living & believes and therefore claims that in the year 1776 her said hus- band belonged to & served in the regiment of troops commanded by Col Knowlton & was engaged with said regiment at the Battle of Harlem when Colonel Knowlton was killed
Your petitioner further represents to your honorable bodies that she has also learned from her said husband and believes and therefore claims that previous to the marriage of the said Benjamin Tarmen to your petitioner in the month of March 1781. he had served in Col Sheldons regiment of dragoons
Your petitioner further represents to your honorable bodies that at the date of the marriage of your petition- er to the said Benjamin Tarmen as aforesaid her said husband was an enlisted soldier in the said regiment of dragoons and immediately after such marriage left home and joined said regiment and continued to serve in the same for nearly two years except a period which he spent at home on a furlough granted to him on ac- count of ill health. That at the expiration of said furlough the said Benjamin Tarmen returned to duty and served until he was finally discharged on account of his ill health which was then so bad that William Cheek who was a soldier in the same regiment and a brother of your petitioner came home with him and then returned to the army

Your petitioner further represents to your honorable bodies that for many years after the death of her said husband she kept his discharge and that it was finally destroyed by her neighbors children.
Your petitioner further represents that the said Benjamin Hanna never did desert the service of his country but faithfully did his duty and by so doing he nearly destroyed his health so that for more than one year after his final discharge he was entirely unable to work.
Your Petitioner further states to your honorable bodies that she has regularly applied to the Pension Office for a Pension under the act of July 4 th 1836 and has been at great labor & expense to sustain her claim to said Pension here when denied to her. And that she is now eighty-eight years of age and entirely dependent upon others for her support. That she most respectfully believes herself entitled to a pension under the act of July 4 th 1836 and prays your honorable bodies to cause her name to be inscribed on the Pension List of the United States for a full pension from the 4 th day of March 1831 during her natural life and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray
Anne Giffin
State of New York Wyoming County
On this 13 th day of December 1845 personally came before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in & for said County Anne Giffin above named and on her oath to her by me duly administered according to law deposed & said that the facts therein contained are just and true and I certify

that the said Anna Giffin is a person of good moral character & entitled to full credit
John B. Tolson Justice of the Peace

Warsaw January 17. 1846
Dr. Sir
When I sent you the petition of Anna Giffin widow of Benjamin Farnam I promised to give you my views of the Case.
The first proof sent was a certificate of which the following is an exact Copy "Ashford March 26. 1783"
These certify that Benjamin Farnam served a soldier in the three Years service and and during the war untill he was discharged in Colonel Sheldon's reg t of Horse in the Connecticut line of the Continental Army and is entitled to his wages
Certified P r Elizah Whiton Just of peace
testifies Rosy Farnam daughter of Claimant has frequently seen the certificate of Whiton & it was left by her father at his death
Joseph Farnam testifies that he has heard his father tell of serving under Col Knowlton and of his death and also of serving after that in a company of Light Dragoons & serving in the last campaigns of the revolutionary war & that he had a discharge which was lost
Jonathan Snow well knew B. Farnam who married a sister of his wife, named Ann Chubb in 1782 & 3 she was at his house & boarded with him a part of the time & he understood then & he believes Farnam was then in the service & that Whiton was Justice of the Peace March 26 1783
Benjamin C. Simonds Town Clerk Ashford, testifies that the records in his office show the marriage of Benjamin Farnam & Ann Chubb to have taken place March 28. 1781 & that Whiton was Justice of the Peace March 26 1783
To this Mrs Edwards replies. The date of marriage is satisfactory. The claim of service in Sheldon's regiment of Dragoons is contradicted by various records which afford as well a description of the person as evidence of the service & of every private in the reg t . The certificate of the magistrate that he had served in the 3 Years service & during the war is contradictory

upon its face as the "during the war men" had not been discharged at the date of the certificate
I then sent the following evidence
Mrs Farnam or rather Giffins Sub declaration setting forth that at her marriage to Farnam he was under an engagement to serve in Sheldon's dragoons that she thought he served as a substitute that she recollects he came home on furlough on account of ill health & that he was finally discharged on that account & when about her brother came home with him because he was unable to come himself alone that she went over to Major Ripley at Windham & got an order on Reuben Mory or Mancy of Ashford for some family stores & got them some corn & salt &c
Pompey McCaffee. Entered the service in 76 & belonged to regiments of Col Meigs & Butts served in N.Y. &c. Before the war was well acquainted with Benjamin Farnam of Ashford & well remembers seeing him in N.Y. in 1776 as a soldier thinks he belonged to Col. Thos Knowlton's regiment Well remembers that Farnam was in Col. Sheldon's regt of horse was stationed with that regt at Danby's Ferry in N.Y. used frequently to visit Sheldon's regt was acquainted with many men in that regt
Martha Hughes afft is not worth much to prove service & Mervin Sherwood's do
Franklin Fanning of Hartford City but having custody of his father's rolls who was a Paymaster has a book showing the following is a list of the names of the men claimed by the several towns in this state now serving in the Connecticut Line of the Continental army Those marked thus (a) are returned from the army On an examination of the said list I find the name of Benjamin Farnam as a recruit of the town of Ashford
The Comptroller of Connecticut certifies that the books of family supplies show that the family of B. Farnam of Ashford had in 1781 $73.42 also that other records show that Benjamin Farnam of Ashford received £30. Bounty for enlisting

in the Continental Army. But with all this Mr Edwds would not be satisfied & we sent Sept 3 d . we sent the affidavit of Gen Ward saying that he had, in his possession a return of the Sgt non Commissioned of- ficers & privates, in 2 d Regt Light Dragoons headed as follows "Return of the names of the non Commissioned officers and Privates in the 2 d Regt Light Dragoons belonging to Connecticut State D o 1781." and that on it appears the name of Benjamin Ham- man who enlisted from the town of Ashford Jan y 11. 1781 for During the war Jan y 1. 1781. Said return is signed Elisha Sheldon Colonel 2 d regt Light Dragoons
I should have said at the bottom of the foregoing page that the book of facility supplies shows that Hamman belonged to Sheldon, regt.
To this Mr Edwds replies. that the alleged service of Hamman in Sheldon's regt. Dragoons is discredited by the full and complete roll of that regt in his office. That the copy of the return in Gen Ward's possession cannot be received as evidence. Up to this time Mr Edwds had insisted that Hamman did not serve in Sheldon's Dragoons & we supposed any documentary proof showing him in that regt as alleged in the certificate of Whiton would fairly rebut any presumption drawn from the non appearance of his name on the rolls accordingly was sent our Connecticut agent to Washington with the Ward roll and then Mr Edwds yields that point and raises another to wit how did he get out of the service. "he did not dis- charge his obligations as a soldier" See his letter under date Nov 20 th 1845. To the construction put upon the Whiton certificate by Mr Edwds on the I demur entirely. It is forced and unnatural. He did not intend to certify that Hamman had served during the war but that he had "served a soldier both in the three years service and during the war (Service) until he was discharged." You understand there was a three years service that is men enlisted for 3 years and a during the war service. Hamman enlisted for during the war and therefore served in the during the war service until discharged" This is the fair

obvious and natural Construction of the Certificate and this Construction answers or rather obviates Mr Edwards objection that his name is not on the list of those entitled to bounty land. In fact no such objection exists for it is not claimed that he served to the end of the war & the Certificate itself shews he did not That is one of Edwards contemptible quibbles or Virginia abstractions
But again as to this Certificate
1 st It bears on its face abundant evidence of its genuineness and antiquity 2. It is given by a Publick officer who would not give such a certificate except it were proper & necessary for him to do so & upon evidence which was to him satisfactory of the facts certified
Now what do the rolls in Pension Office prove
1. All the rolls & up previous to 1781 Jany 1 st prove is that Hiram did not serve on his own account previous to that date. He may have served as a Substitute & if he did the name of his principal & not his own would appear.
Further
2 d The roll bearing date Jany 1 st 1782 is the only one which proves anything against him on this his name ought to appear if he was in the regt on that day To this it may be answered He may have been gone on furlough, & if so his name would not appear
1 I am now collecting parol proof to shew that he was at home on furlough once or more on account of ill health 2 That he was discharged for that cause in winter of 1783 & William Chubb his brother in law went home with him because he could not go home alone & then returned to the army 3. The affidavit of his old comrades that he served in 81 & 2 & 3 till March when he was discharged On a/c

of ill health. I have got one already & have got track of some 25 of his old Comrades in this State and 4 or more of them served in the same Company with Clubb. With their affidavits I intend to fortify the Whiton Certificate which I have no doubt tells the exact truth in the case.
Also I have got track of some more documentary proof but I cannot exactly tell what it is I shall know in a few days.
I want you should keep the matter in com- -mittee until I get all my proofs together & perhaps you had better keep the copies from the Pension Office until I send the rest. so as to have the proof all go in together.
I forgot to say above that I should send proof to show that Harrison was not the only man who got no pay for one to two years services.
Yours etc.
A. L. Lynde
excuse errors I have not time to copy

Warsaw Jan 14 th 1845 J. L. Edwards Esq. 39. /
We send you the accompanying additional proof in the case of Abner Farnam, Widow of Benjamin Farnam. It does seem to us that the proof in this case now must be abundant. We sent a bundle of proof in this case some two or three weeks since - Affidavits Comptroller Certificate etc.
Truly Yours
Sylvester Andrews
Mr Farnam's claim under the Law of 1836

Charleston August 21, 1846
W. L. Edwards Esq
Mr. Sir I wish another search made in the case of Anna Siffin widow of Benjamin Siffin deceased who it was alleged served in Sheldon's Dragoons.
I am now informed that Mr. Siffin served from June May 1782 to March 1783, under Capt. Benjamin Sinker Colonel McLean's was then discharged & went home on a furlough.
If there is any roll of this service in Your office will you please cause the same to be examined for this service. This case which was carried before Congress was as I suppose with dismission by Hon. A. Smith according to my direction.
Your early answer will greatly oblige
Yours Respectfully, A. L. Lynde,

Department of the Interior Washington December 8 th 1852.
Sir,
I have examined the testimony in the case of Anna Griffin an applicant for a pension under the act of July 4 th 1836, and fully concur in your decision rejecting the claim. It appears that this case was adjudicated, and very properly disallowed by your predecessor on the ground of the insufficiency of the evidence adduced to establish the service of the claimants husband, in 1844; from which decision no appeal was taken until now, after the lapse of some eight years — This of itself goes strongly to show the want of merit in the claim, even in the minds of the parties presenting it. — The papers in the case are herewith returned
I am very Respectfully
James E. Heath Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Your obedient Servant
Alex A. H. Stuart Secretary.

Warsaw Wyoming Co New York
May 24, 1852
J. E. Heath Esq
Dear Sir Your letter of the 15 th August last in the case of Anna Giffin widow of Benjamin Farnam a Revolutionary Soldier has been received. The Ward roll of Col Sheldon's regiment is the property of Gen Ward of Norwich Connecticut who would only consent that the roll should be sent to the Department for Examination on condition that after such Examination it should be returned to him. Gen Stanton of Johnstown took the roll to Washington & submitted it to Mr Edwards for inspection and he pronounced it genuine. It was then returned to Gen Ward. I have now written to Gen Stanton and requested him to obtain that roll from Gen Ward and send it to some Member of the Connecticut delegation in Congress to be submitted to you for your Examination and after such Examination to be returned to Gen Ward. The roll bears date September 1781 and shows that Benjamin Farnam of Ashford enlisted January 1 st 1781 and is conclusive to show that until the date of that roll he had discharged his duties as a Soldier - being nine months service. The late Commissioner of Pensions after subjecting us to the expense of sending the Ward roll to Washington for his Examination admitted that Farnam was in the service in September 1781 and then assumed the position that he must have deserted the service because his name did not appear upon the other rolls of Sheldon's Regt. With this decision I am not satisfied I consider it unreasonable and antagonistic to the

whole Legislative policy of the Government upon the subject of Revolutionary Pensions , those laws are concurred in a liberal spirit and only require proof of the requisite amount of Service. They make no exception for Cases of actual known desertion. A long established rule of the government excludes deserters and those claiming for their services from the benefits of the Pension Laws. That rule if retained should be applied only in Cases of known desertion. The whole spirit of our governmental policy relating to Revolutionary soldiers and their widows seems to me to require that the most liberal presumptions should be made in their favor rather than that after a lapse of sixty years they should be required to explain by evidence which can hardly be presumed to be in existence every circumstance which may by an unfavorable construction militate against their claims.
In this case a construction conforming to the spirit of the Pension laws would presume from the fact that Colonel Sheldon after September 1781 made several rolls upon which he did not see fit to enter the name of Benjamin Farnam as a deserter that he did not deem him entitled to that designation & that if he was absent from actual service it was under such circumstances as were in the eyes of his commanding officers justifiable. It is certain that Col Sheldon had his name upon his rolls & if he had deserted the service it is not reasonable to presume that Col Sheldon would have omitted to have returned him as such. I think that upon this point some little importance should be attached to the Certificate of Elizer Whitson Esq in which he in his official character as a Justice of the peace certifies that Benjamin Farnam served a soldier in the three years service and during the war until he

was discharged in Colonel Sheldon's Reg t of horse in the Connecticut line of the Continental Army & is entitled to his "wages" I think it may be reasonably presumed that a Magistrate charged with the responsibilities of the office at that period would not gratuitously assume to issue such a Certificate if not within the scope of his duties and authority or upon insufficient or unsatisfactory evidence He was undoubtedly conversant with the facts in relation to Farnam's enlistment and services and the date of his Certificate is a sufficient answer to Mr Edwards objection that his name does not appear upon the list of those entitled to bounty land The Certificate of Whiton is not impeached by the fact that Farnam's name does not appear upon the rolls of the three years service as it is probable from the evidence that he served as a substitute. The objection in relation to his not having received his pay is not it seems to my mind entitled to very great weight. A man at home in feeble health & not possessed when well of very great energy would hardly have deemed it a paying business to travel to a distant point to apply for the small amount of depreciated Continental Currency to which he was entitled for nine months service. I am satisfied that Farnam served at New York in 1776 and that he served in Sheldon's dragoons for a sufficient length of time to entitle his widow to a full pension if the facts in relation to his service could be established. I trust that a re-examination of this claim and its merits will satisfy you that a pension should be granted under the act of July 21 st 1836 for at least nine months service
Very Respectfully Your O bt Serv t A L Lynde

State of Connecticut } County of Windham } for Windham
Be it known that before me William C Stanton a justice of the peace within and for the County of Windham aforesaid on this 18 th day of Feb. 1845 personally appeared Pompey M c Cuffe of Windham in the said County of Windham a soldier in the war of the Revolution aged from the best information he can obtain about 84 years or a little upwards Being duly cautioned and sworn as the law directs deposes and saith that he entered the service of the United States in the war of the Revolution in 1776. That he first enlisted at what is called the Hibbard House in the town of Windham.
That he was first joined to Maj or Colo. Muzzys Regiment and served at the West, New York State &c. &c. That he was also in Colo. Butlers Regiment &c. - I the said Pompey M c Cuffe served from the time I commenced in 1776 until the close of the war and was under many different officers.
That Before the Revolutionary war commenced I was well acquainted with Benjamin Farnam of Ashford - His father and mother used to be in Windham to visit her friends near me, she was a Bivin when a girl and Benj. Farnam's wife was a Chubb. The said Benj Farnam died at Ashford many years since.
I well remember of seeing the said Benj Farnam in 1776 in the state of N.Y., he was there as a soldier. I do not recollect positively what Regiment he was in but I think it was Colo Thomas Knowltons. - Knowlton was killed in this town of duty. -
Benjamin Farnam aforesaid was in Colo. Sheldons Regiment of Horse - I well remember of seeing him while in Sheldons Regiment frequently. We were some of the time quartered with or nigh to Sheldons Regt. or rather stationed with them at Durbys Ferry, then so called, on the North River, and some of the time, Sheldons Regt was on one side of the River & we on the other side. I used to frequently visit Colo Sheldons Troops as I was

acquainted with many of them and with the officers etc. There was a Corporal in Sheldon Regiment who sometimes would cause much sport by riding two horses at a time, and his feats of horsemanship caused much merriment among the men of both Regiments. The said Benjamin Farnam complained of being sick and went home once on furlough in winter of 1882— and 1883, and returned but continuing to be unwell was discharged some in Feb. I think 1883, I recollect of his wife's Brother going home with him & then returning to his duty again.
In presence Andrew Frink Jr. Wm. C. Stanton
His Pompey McCaffrey Mark
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid written before me Wm. C. Stanton Justice of Peace
Windham County ss. Windham Feb 18 th 1885
I hereby certify that from the testimony of Respectable Individuals Pompey McCaffrey who has subscribed to the foregoing deposition is a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief
Atts Wm. C. Stanton Justice of Peace

Proof in Case of Anna Giffin under act of July 4, 1836,
A. L. Lynde
Warsaw
New York
Atty for Claimant
Letter annexed

Warsaw Wyoming Co N.Y. August 12, 1853
Hon L.P. Waldo
Dear Sir Enclosed I send proof of service in case of Anna Giffin widow of Benjamin Farnum. From this Certificate it will appear that Farnum served 9 months in Sheldon's Dragoons in 1781 and other documentary evidence filed by her in this case corroborate this proof. The town of Ashford was paid the bounty money for his enlistment, also a small amount for supplies furnished his family. There is considerable parole proof on file to show that he served under Col Knowlton in 1776. in Sheldon's Regiment as a substitute in the 3 Years service. To all this Mr Edwards has formerly answered that Farnum's name was not found on any of the numerous rolls in his office & therefore it must be that he did not fulfil his obligations as a soldier.
To this I reply that the act of July 4, 1836 grants a pension for service actually performed which should not be withheld except for actual desertion or other acts which amount to desertion. In this case it is certain that Farnum was regularly enrolled in actual service in September 1781 and I think it equally certain that he could not have served at a much later date or his name would appear upon the subsequent rolls. Did he desert the service. To this I answer that Col Sheldon & his company officers must have known the circumstances.

Under which he was absent and that had they deemed him a deserter it may be reasonably presumed that they would not have omitted to have returned him as such. Col Sheldon had his name. He knew for what length of time he enlisted & he also knew the reasons of his absence If he with a full knowledge of the whole case did not deem it his duty to return this man as a deserter, it appears to me to be rather a volunteer service for us at this late day with our limited knowledge of the facts & circumstances to infer that he deserted the service. It appears from the panel proof that Farnam came home out of the service twice sick & that he never recovered his health but was afflicted with fits & general poor health until his death which occurred not many years after the close of the war. It also appears that his brother in law William Chubb & several other acquaintances from Ashford served in the same regiment with him & the state of his health when at home would probably have been known to his officers through them.
On the 26 th December last I sent to Hon A.P. Hascale M.C. to be forwarded by him to your office an affidavit of Asa Tiffany a Revolutionary Pensioner who resided at Bennington Vermont at the date of his affidavit Aft. 11. 1846. He testified that Benjamin Farnam enlisted June 1. 1782 for 1 Year & served as orderly Sergeant in captain

Benjamin Dake's Company Col M c Saren's Regt (M c Clellan he may mean) until March 1783 when he was taken sick & went home Tiffany states that he & his brother both served with Farnam & in the same Company About this service the widow could not inform me but she was very old & infirm & could not have named any of his officers had she not been aided in her recollection by the paper filed with her declaration
I have now to request that this Case may be re- examined and a pension certificate issued for the 9 months service in 1781 & for the service under Capt Dake in 1782 & 3. if any roll or other satisfactory evidence of such service shall be found in your office and I have further to request that the examiner to whom this Case may be referred will not pass it without consulting Judge Waldo in relation to it as during a recent visit to Washington I had a somewhat full conversation with him relative to this claim & I wish his judgment in the matter. The roll referred to in the certificate is the identical roll formerly in possession of Gen Ward of Norwich & bears the signature of Col Sheldon himself. If any further certificate is desired to establish the genuineness of this roll it will be cheerfully furnished
Very Respectfully
A. L. Lynde

State of Connecticut. Hartford, June 16, 1853.
I Charles Hosmer, Recording Secretary of the Connecticut Historical Society do hereby certify that among the Manuscript Documents deposited in said Society, is a Roll of Col. Sheldon's Regiment of Light Dragoons in service in the War of the Revolution, with the following caption viz;
"Return of the Names of the Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates in the 2 d Reg t Lt. Dragoons, belong g to Connecticut State, Sept. 1781." Among the names on the above mentioned Return, is found " Benjamin Purnum " and opposite the name is inserted the following words and figures under "Date of Enlistment" "Aug t 1, 1781" "Term" "Wars. Pounds" "Ashford."
State of Connecticut Hartford County } ss
Chas Hosmer, Rec. Secy. Conn. Historical Society
On this 17 th day of June A D 1853 personally appeared Charles Hosmer Esq. signed the foregoing certificate,

and made oath that the same is true before me,
Geo. Robinson
Notary Public

let to Dan A. Smith Dec. 1847 " " L. M. Drury Aug. 28. " " A. Ray Sept. 25 " to Vance Nov. 20 '45 " to Hon. A. Smith, Dec. 31/45 " to A. L. Lynde Sept. 15 '46 " Hon. W. H. White Jan'y 21 '47 ) act 4 July 1836
Hon. H. Putnam Dec. 18. '47 " P. H. Gilmore, Jan'y 5. '48 A. L. Lynde Oct. 1. 52 Sec. of Int. Nov. 12. 52 Hon. A. P. Hascall Dec. 11. 52 Dec. affirmed - See opinion within Joseph Farnam Aug. 17. 53 A. L. Lynde Sept. 21. 53 Same Oct. 21. 53
4305

Ms Lynde G Andrews Warsaw Wyoming Co. N.Y.
no 3

I Franklin Fanning of Jewett City in the County of New London and State of Connecticut, of lawful age, having been duly sworn, according to law, do on my oath, depose and say; that, I have in my possession, a book or list as follows, Vis,
The following is a List of the names of the men claimed by the several towns in this State, now serving in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army; those marked thus (a) are returned from the Army. And on examination of the said List I find the name of Benjamin Farnam a recruit of the town of Ashford.
Franklin Fanning
State of Connecticut } New London County } Jewett City in town of Griswold
Be it remembered that on this fourth day of June A 1845. before the subscriber a Notary Public within & for the state aforesaid personally appeared Franklin Fanning Esq, who has subscribed to the above deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same
Attest Wm C Stanton Notary Public
Windham County } Voluntary June 5 th 1845 I hereby certify that Franklin Fanning Esq the above named deponent & subscriber to the aforesaid Deposition is personally known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit & belief
Attest
Wm C Stanton Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut, ss. Office of Secretary of State.
I hereby certify that William C. Stanton, whose name is attached to the former of the foregoing certificates, is, and since the 30 th day of May, 1844, has been, a Notary Public in and for said State, duly appointed and commissioned, as appears of record in this office.
I further certify, that the said William C. Stanton, whose name is attached to the latter of the foregoing certificates is, and since the 20 th day of June last past has been a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Windham and State aforesaid, duly appointed and commissioned, as appears of record in this office.
And I further certify that the signatures attached to the said foregoing certificates are, to the best of my belief, the genuine signatures of the said William C. Stanton.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said State, at Hartford, this 7 th day of June, A. D. 1845.
Dan W. P. Tyler Secretary of State.

Petition of citizens of Barnington in behalf of Ann Buffin
No 6

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled
The undersigned citizens of the town of Powning in the County of Wyoming in the State of New York respectfully represent to your honorable body that they are personally acquainted with Anna Giffin of said town that they know her to be a person of good moral character and in dependent that they have no doubt that her former husband Benjamin Farnam served in the American Revolutionary Army and we respectfully request your honorable bodies to grant to the said Anna Giffin a pension at such rate per annum as to you shall seem proper and your petitioners in duty bound will ever pray &c
Dated Dec 10. 1845
Thilo Duitke
Henry Hargrave
Sidlon McCann
William E. Parsons
Chandler Parsons
Mrs B North
Isaac L. Clarke
Samuel D. Prince
Romanta Woodford
Samuel D. Lueder
James E. Brooks
Alm Bloisett
Ebenezer A. Dudley
Joseph H. Dudley
Daniel B. Herald
Francis Portier
Charles B. Sheldon
Benjamin North
J. P. R. Folsom
Jonathan Piper
Vine Yeomans
William E. Parsons
Daniel Slater
John Whitney
Wariah Parson
E. S. Robinson
Calvin Brown
Thomas Austin
Wm Weed
Alfred Foush
Ephraiah Miller
Samuel Harding
John L. Hutchinson
Charles Joyce
Thomas Hunt
James Rutherford
Charles Jones
Jeremiah New
H. B. Alger
J. H. Beardslee

Philip C. Jones Triliny Asgood Richard Robinson E. M. Boston Gaius Root Ephraim Diviney Leonard Miller N. C. Cushman Robert M. Willard Horace Tinker L. B. Newbury

Warsaw New York Dec 17. 1852
Dear A.P. Hascall
Dear Sir
Your favor enclosing a letter from Mr Beach informing you that the Secretary of the Interior had confirmed the decision of the Commissioners in the case of Anna Giffin widow of Benjamin Farnam a private of Sheldon's dragoons is received. I some time since received from Gen Stanton of Connecticut an affidavit made by Mr Amasa Liffey of Bennington Vermont formerly of Troy New York who is a Revolutionary Pensioner & at the date of his affidavit only some 78 years old In his affidavit he states that Farnam served 9 months from June 82 to March 83 in the regiment of Col McLean & in Capt Durkee's Company & also testifies that he had a brother who served with Farnam & that he served from August 82 with him
Mrs Giffin was so much superannuated that she could not tell but little about her husband's services and could not have named a single officer had she not have had the Certificate of Justice Whiton to refresh her recollection & I did not deem it proper to assert any other claim until the claim for service in Sheldon's regiment was disposed of
Having done all that a sincere belief in the justice of that claim could

demands & being finally beat I now send enclosed Mr Liffey's affidavit & wish you to send it to the Pension Office with a request that the rolls &c of the service referred to in that affidavit may be examined for evidence of the service of Benjamin Lamann
The credibility of Liffey is not certified by the justice but should it become necessary that can be supplied
In haste Yours Truly A L Lynde

House Reps. 29. Dec. 1845
Sir, Please send me certified copies of all the papers on file in your office presented in behalf of Anna Giffin late widow of Benjamin Farnam for a pension under act July 4. 1836. I want them to go before the proper committee of the house for relief - Please send them as soon as possible
I have the honor to be very respectfully your obed Servt Albert Smith
Hon. J. S. Edwards Comm. of Pensions

Hon A P Hascoll M.P. Le Roy, N.Y.

Warsaw N.Y.
Sept 23. 1852
Hon A.P. Hascoll
Sir I have heretofore sent through you to the Pension Office a communication relative to the Pension claim of Anna Giffin widow of Benjamin Farnam, who was a soldier in Sheldons regiment of Dragoons in the Connecticut Line. I have just received from Gen W. C. Stanton of Voluntown Connecticut information that the Ward roll referred to in the aforesaid communication can not be found by the heirs of Gen Ward who has died since the roll was returned to him Gen Stanton made a copy & can make oath to its being a true copy if desired
The roll was once taken to Washington & examined by Mr Edwards who expressed himself fully satisfied of its genuineness and I think this should be conclusive upon that point especially as Mr Edwards was strongly prejudiced against this claim

This letter in the case shows that the Ward roll dated September 1781 bore the name of Benjamin Farnam of Ashford as having enlisted Jan 1 st & being then in the Service. Should the Commissioner be satisfied upon these points the only remaining question is whether a desertion shall be inferred from the fact that Farnam's name does not appear on other rolls of Sheldon's Regiment. Having in my former communication stated my views upon that point I have nothing further to add. I will be obliged if you will forward this letter to the Commissioner of Pensions in order that it may be taken up & examined with the other papers relating to the case. Very Respectfully Yours
A. L. Lynde

Prief in case of appeal from decision of board of Pensions in relation to the Claim Anna Giffie for Pension
A. L. Lynde Esq.
Warsaw, N.Y.
Oct. 1894
Address
Anna Giffie
Warsaw
N.Y.

 1. It is clear from the documentary Evidence in this case that Benjamin Farnam enlisted January 1. 1781 for during the war and that when the supplies were furnished his family previous to May 1781. he was in the service also that when Col Sheldon made his roll in 1781 Sept r that he was then in the service as a private of Sheldon's Reg t of Dragoons  2. The marriage of the Claimant to the said Soldier before the conclusion of his service is fully Established  3. By the provisions of the act of July 4. 1836 the said service & marriage entitle the widow to a pension from March 4 1831 during life  4. By a long existing rule of the Department pensions are withheld from all soldiers who deserted the service & from their widows except in cases where the desertion was cured by a subsequent return to duty. This rule has been applied to cases of known desertion and where the rolls of service did not show an actual desertion it has not been the practice, so far as I am informed, to infer one from circumstances. In this case the Commissioner has assumed to infer from the absence of Farnam's name then on certain rolls in his office that he must have deserted the service. I think that upon that point Col Sheldon was fully as competent to judge as the Commissioner of Pensions. It is certain that Col Sheldon was satisfied in September 1781 that up to that time Farnam had discharged his obligations 

as a Soldier and if he had afterwards deserted the service or been absent under circumstances not deemed by his Officers Excusable and proper it is very strange that Col Sheldon should have omitted to note the fact.
It appears from the parol proof that Farnam was well in the service that he was at home for that reason on furlough. He may have had an unlimited furlough and his officers been so informed by his fellow soldiers from Ashford, William Webb, Robert Baker, Ebenezer Arnold and Ephraim Averill, of the state of his health that they were satisfied that his absence was justifiable and therefore have omitted to return him as a deserter as they would most certainly have done had he been absent under circumstances considered by them improper. This supposition is altogether more consonant with the liberal spirit of the policy of the government in relation to Revolutionary pensions than an attempt to infer a desertion after a lapse of 60 Years when an explanation of the circumstances is quite impossible. A desertion should not be inferred after a lapse of 60 to 70 Years. If the officers of Soldier did not deem a man entitled to the name & position of a deserter then his character should be deemed clear & he should enjoy the benefits of faithful service.
The certificate of Whiton a Justice of the peace given in his official capacity should have some weight upon that question. It shows that at Ashford where Farnam resided

and when the circumstances of his absence from the Army showed the reasons for such absence must have been fully known he was not considered a deserter and that a public officer appointed by the Governor of the State and accountable to him for his good conduct & subject to removal for any impropriety in his office did not hesi- tate to certify that Farnam had served & been dis- charged. The objection of Mr Edwards in his letter of Dec 28 1848 that the certificate of discharge is contradictory upon its face is a mere play upon words. What Mr Whiton meant to certify was that Farnam had served in what was then well known as the "during the war" service as is shown by the terms of his enlistment.
My views in relation to this case are stated quite at length in my letters of May 16 1851 & May 24 1852 to the Commr of Pensions. A Pension of $30 per annum for 9 months service in 1787 should be allowed.
My letter appealing from the decision of the Commissioners of Pensions was addressed to the Secretary of the Interior under date of October 5. 1852.

Warsaw Wyoming Co New York Oct 4, 1853
Hon L.P. Waldo
I have received your letter of the 26 th Ult in case of Anna Giffin widow of Benjamin Farnam in which you reject the claim for service in Sheldons Dragoons
In your letter you do not inform me whether the affidavit of Amasa Jeffery relative to service in 1782 in Captain Benjamin Dinkree's company Col M c Daniels reg t has been received or whether there are any rolls of that service in your office. I would be obliged by information upon those points
Respectfully Yours A. L. Lynde
I sent the above aff t through Hon A.P. Hasbrouck M.P. last December

State of New York } County of Ontario }
William Morrison a resident of the town of Gosham Ontario County, and State aforesaid being Duly sworn deposes and says, that his age is one hundred years last march past Deponent says that he was a soldier in the Connecticut line of the Continental army and served in Colonel Sheldon's Regiment of horse for which he now draws a pension Deponent further says he was well acquainted with Benjamin Farnam a husband to Anne Farnam of the town of Bennington, Wyoming County and State aforesaid that said Farnam served with him in Colonel Sheldon's Regiment of horse rendered the same services as Deponent did and the same length of time for which Deponent draws a pension that said Benjamin Farnam is the same individual described in the declaration of Anne Farnam or Anne Giffen so called on account of her last husband. Deponent further states there was no other man of that name in said Regiment or Company and further says not.
Subscribed & sworn to his William Morrison this second day of June 1845
Abraham Deyo Justice of the Peace
I, Justice of the peace in & for the County of Ontario N.Y. and I certify, that the above named William Morrison is personally known to me and that he is a man of truth & veracity and his testimony is entitled to full credit. I also certify that the said William Morrison by reason of his advanced age and loss of sight learning is unable to write his name Abraham Deyo Justice of the Peace
State of New York County of Ontario ss
J. Alexander H. Howell

clerk of the county of Ontario in said State do hereby certify that Abraham Dagroff is a Justice of the Peace in & for the county of Ontario duly elected and qualified - that his term of office com- -menced on the first - day of January 1844 and will expire on the thirty first day of December 1847
and that his particular sign- -ature above written is genuine -
Given under my hand and seal of Office this seventh day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred & forty five -
Alexander H. Howell Clerk By R. Murray Jr. Dep. Clk.

Petition No 9 of Mrs. Anna Giffin of Powning- ton, Wyoming Co N. York, asking marriage for that Mr. May be placed on the revolutionary pen- sion roll under the act of Congress of July 4 th 1836.
H. Paton
To the Com te on Revo- lutionary Pensions - December 14, 1847 Referred to the Com. on Revolutionary Pensions.
Feb 29, 1848. Bil. 273

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled
The petition of Anna Giffin of Bennington in the county of Wyoming and State of New York re- spectfully represents to your honorable body that Your petitioner is the former widow of Benjamin Farnam who was a soldier in the American Revolutionary Army and resided at the date of his services at Ashford in the State of Connecticut and who was married to your petitioner previous to expiration of his said services
Your petitioner further represents to Your honorable body that she has applied to the Commission of Pensions for the pension to which she is entitled under the act of July 4 th 1836 and that her claim to such pension has not been allowed
Your petitioner further represents that she applied to the last Congress for her said pension from March 4 th 1831 during her natural life & that her petition together with the other papers relating to her said claim for Pension are as she is informed & believes, now upon the files of the House of Representatives of the United States and your petitioner respectfully refers to said petition & other papers for a more extended statement of her claim
Your petitioner would further represent to Your Honorable Body that she is now 91 Years of age, in very feeble health, poor & entirely dependent upon others for her support, and greatly in need of the benefit of the provisions of the Act of Congress and therefore prays your Honorable Body to grant to her a pension under said Act of July 4 th 1836 & she as in duty bound will ever pray &c
Anna Giffin
Dated December 1 st 1847, S In presence of D. C. Jones

Mrs. Farnsworth Sub Deduction

State of New York Wyoming County
On this 4 th day of December 1844 personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace of said county Anna Farnham to me well known, aged 87 years who having been by me duly sworn according to law saith that she makes the following Sub-Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of July 4 th 1836. That she is the widow of Benjamin Farnham deceased, who was a soldier of the American Revolutionary Army. That the said Benjamin Farnham died at Ashford Connecticut on the 8 th day of May 1807. That subsequent to his death she married John Giffin who died on the 13 th day of May 1821 at Ashford aforesaid - That since the death of her second husband the said John Giffin, she has called herself then known by the name of Anna Farnham . That a considerable portion of her first husband's service in the Revolutionary Army was rendered after her marriage to him - and that he served over two years in Col. Sheldon's Regiment. She further testifies that she has not intermarried since the death of her second husband John Giffin - and that she is now a widow. That she has no record of her marriage to her first husband the said Benjamin Farnham.
ANNA FARNHAM
Subscribed & sworn before me the day & year above written
Silvester R. Crane Justice of the peace
I Silvester R. Crane Justice of the peace do certify

that Joseph Farnham who made affidavit before me on the 19 th day of November 1844 is a person of good character & credibility Silvester K. Curran Justice

State of New York Wyoming County }ss
I Walter Howard Clerk of Wyoming County do hereby certify that Paul Richards Esq before whom the annexed declaration and affidavits were taken is a judge of Wyoming County Courts, & that his signatures thereto are genuine - Also that Silvester K Crane before whom the annexed affidavits were taken was a justice of the peace in and for said county duly authorized to take the same, & that his signature is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand affixed my official seal this 10 th day of December 1844
Walter Howard Clerk E. M. Andrews Deputy